Among those born from fire, there were kings who were honored with sovereignty. In those days, a gathering of Brahmins was addressed with these words: “All you Brahmins, go forth; I am now under the power of yogic sleep.” When two thousand years had passed, the Suta spoke again, recounting the lineage of rulers. A king named Pramara governed his realm for six years. His son, born of Devapi, achieved a status equal to his father’s. From him, Gandharvasena ascended the throne and ruled for fifty years. After Gandharvasena, Shankha became king and held the kingdom for thirty years. Shankha, blessed by Gandharvasena, begot a precious son. When this son was born, drums resounded, conches blared, and gentle winds brought delight across the land. Through karma-yoga, performing twenty acts, he gained the favor of Shiva. For the destruction of the Shakas and the increase of noble dharma, this son was named Vikramaditya, and his father rejoiced in him. At the age of five, Vikramaditya went to the forest to practice austerity. Afterwards, he traveled to the divine city of Ambavati, a place radiant with prosperity. Sent by Shiva, Vikramaditya accepted the position destined for him. Once, this heroic king journeyed to the sacred place of Mahakaleshvara. There, he constructed a grand hall, filled with righteousness and arranged in an expansive layout. The hall was adorned with various trees and creepers, enriched with flowering vines. The foremost Brahmins, accomplished in the Vedas and their branches, were summoned to the hall. Meanwhile, in that place, a deity named Vetala appeared. A Brahmin sat upon a seat and spoke to the king: “I shall describe the great narrative, the collection of ancient tales.” Having established Shiva in his mind, the Brahmin spoke to the king: “The delightful city of Varanasi is where Mahesha abides. There, people of all four castes dwell, and the king wears a crown of glory. His son, Vajramukuta, is beloved by the ministers and their sons. Among them, the minister’s son, Buddhidaksha, is famed for his wisdom and skill. Buddhidaksha beheld a charming forest, teeming with animals and birds. There was a divine and delightful lake, echoing with the cries of many birds. Seeing this, the two heroes who arrived there attained supreme joy. In that place, the daughter of Dantavaktra, known as Padmavati, was highly esteemed. She played with her companions, engaging in delightful games in the midst of the lake. Beholding Padmavati, a maiden endowed with equal beauty and virtues, Vajramukuta was awakened and prayed, ‘Protect me, Shiva Shankara.’ Padmavati took a lotus flower from his head and placed it at her ears. Then, taking that flower again, she placed it within her heart. Together with his father, Vajramukuta arrived in the forest of the mountain for the sake of pilgrimage. Yet he experienced great mental anguish and fell into delusion, meditating on the young Padmavati and undertaking a vow of silence. People everywhere lamented, saying, ‘What condition has the prince come to?’ Buddhidaksha spoke to Vajramukuta: ‘O king, speak the truth.’ Hearing this, the wise Buddhidaksha laughed and addressed the king.